Shipping policy
Shipping & Local Pickup Policy
Last updated: September 6, 2026
Getting Your Treasure Home 🦆
At The Ugly Duckling, every treasure is different. From a small vintage brooch or pre-loved book to artwork, home décor, clothing, and larger one-of-a-kind finds, no two packages are quite the same.
We work to package each purchase carefully and to keep shipping costs as reasonable as possible. Because of the unique nature of our inventory, we do not pre-package items before they are sold.
Please review the following shipping and pickup information before making your purchase.
Where Even the Forgotten Can Be Beautiful.™
Shipping Is Paid by the Buyer
The Ugly Duckling does not offer free shipping.
Unless specifically stated otherwise in an individual listing, the buyer is responsible for all applicable shipping and delivery charges.
The only free fulfillment option we currently offer is Local Pickup, when available and selected for an eligible order.
Shipping charges shown at checkout are based on the shipping information, package estimates, carrier rates, and other information available at the time of purchase.
Estimated Package Weight & Dimensions
Because we sell unique, vintage, new, pre-loved, and one-of-a-kind merchandise, our items are generally not packaged for shipment until after they are sold.
The package weight and dimensions used to calculate shipping may therefore be based on our best reasonable estimate of the item's final packaged size and weight.
Actual packaged weight and dimensions may vary after appropriate boxes, protective wrapping, padding, and other packing materials are added.
We make reasonable efforts to provide accurate estimates while also packaging purchases appropriately for shipment.
Combined Shipping — When Possible
We know nobody wants to pay more for shipping than necessary.
When you purchase multiple eligible items on the same day during our hours of operation, we will make reasonable efforts, when practical and safe for the merchandise, to combine those items into fewer packages when doing so may reduce shipping costs.
However, combined shipping is not guaranteed.
Items may need to ship separately because of their size, weight, fragility, packaging requirements, carrier restrictions, purchase timing, fulfillment status, or destination.
Multiple Orders & After-Hours Purchases
If separate purchases are placed after hours, at different times, after an earlier order has already entered the packing or fulfillment process, or as multiple separate transactions, we cannot guarantee that the orders will be identified and combined before shipment.
We therefore cannot guarantee a shipping adjustment or refund of shipping charges simply because multiple orders were placed by the same customer.
Multiple Shipping Addresses
Orders or purchases being shipped to different addresses or destinations cannot be combined into one shipment.
The buyer is responsible for the applicable shipping charges associated with each destination.
Packaging Your Treasure
We take reasonable care when packaging merchandise for shipment.
Because many of our products are vintage, pre-loved, fragile, unusually shaped, or one of a kind, the amount and type of packaging needed may not be known until the item is prepared for shipment.
We may use appropriately sized boxes, protective wrapping, cushioning, and other packing materials based on the individual item's needs.
Whenever practical, we may also reuse clean, sturdy shipping boxes and packing materials. Giving useful materials another life fits nicely with what The Ugly Duckling is all about.
Processing & Delivery Times
Orders are prepared for shipment as reasonably practicable after payment has been successfully processed.
Any processing, shipping, or delivery dates provided through our store are estimates and are not guaranteed delivery dates, except where otherwise required by applicable law.
Once a shipment has been accepted by the carrier, delivery may be affected by weather, holidays, carrier delays, transportation disruptions, incorrect or incomplete addresses, and other circumstances outside our reasonable control.
Shipping Address
Please check your shipping address carefully before completing your purchase.
Customers are responsible for providing a complete and accurate shipping address.
If you notice an address error, contact us as soon as possible. We cannot guarantee that an address can be changed once an order has entered the fulfillment or shipping process.
Additional shipping expenses resulting from an incorrect or incomplete address may be the customer's responsibility to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Local Pickup — Our Only Free Option
Local Pickup is the only free fulfillment option currently offered by The Ugly Duckling.
Local Pickup is available for eligible merchandise and by appointment only.
When selecting Local Pickup:
Please do not arrive until you receive notification that your order is Ready for Pickup.
Orders generally require time to be located, prepared, and made ready for pickup.
Once your order is ready, you will receive pickup instructions and can coordinate your pickup as directed.
Please bring your order confirmation when collecting your purchase. We may request reasonable verification before releasing an order.
Large Furniture & Oversized Items
For furniture and other large Local Pickup items, the buyer is responsible for bringing:
- An appropriately sized vehicle
- Adequate help to safely load and transport the item
- Blankets, straps, tie-downs, or other transportation materials as necessary
Please review all measurements before purchasing to make sure the item will fit your vehicle, doorway, room, or intended space.
Unclaimed Local Pickup Orders
If you are unable to attend your scheduled pickup appointment, please contact us to reschedule.
Please do not assume an item has been canceled simply because it has not yet been picked up. Our All Sales Final policy continues to apply to completed purchases.
We reserve the right to establish reasonable arrangements for merchandise that remains unclaimed for an extended period, subject to applicable law.
Shipping Damage
If your treasure appears to have been damaged during shipping, please contact us promptly.
Do not discard the item or its packaging.
Please retain the:
- Merchandise
- Shipping box or container
- Packing and protective materials
- Shipping label
We may request photographs of the item, shipping container, packaging materials, shipping label, and visible damage so that we can evaluate the issue and, where appropriate, assist with a carrier claim or other resolution.
Shipping damage is handled in accordance with our applicable store policies and does not automatically constitute a standard return.
All Sales Are Final
As explained in our Return & Refund Policy and Terms of Service, purchases from The Ugly Duckling are ALL SALES FINAL, except where otherwise required by applicable law or as otherwise expressly provided in our policies.
Please carefully review the product's photographs, measurements, description, condition, shipping requirements, and applicable shipping charges before completing your purchase.
Our Shipping Policy should be read together with our:
Return & Refund Policy — explains our All Sales Final policy and procedures for materially misrepresented, incorrect, or shipping-damaged merchandise.
Terms of Service — contains the terms governing purchases, products, Local Pickup, digital products, payments, and use of our Services.
Privacy Policy — explains how personal information is collected, used, processed, and disclosed when you shop or communicate with us.
If there is a conflict between this Shipping Policy and rights that cannot legally be waived, applicable law will control.
Questions About Shipping or Pickup?
If you have a question about shipping, combined shipping, or Local Pickup, please contact us before purchasing whenever possible, particularly for large, heavy, fragile, or unusually shaped merchandise.
The Ugly Duckling
Email: lily@theuglyduckling.store
Website: theuglyduckling.store
Thank you for giving another treasure a place to belong.
Where Even the Forgotten Can Be Beautiful.™